NAIROBI— Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday joined President William Samoei Ruto on the opening day of the inaugural Kenya Health Summit 2026 at KICC, which culminated in a Presidential Town Hall with citizens on the future of health reforms.
Speaking after the engagement, Duale said the Town Hall provided a direct platform for Kenyans to share experiences, priorities and concerns on the ongoing health sector reforms, and to identify gaps that must be addressed to build a sustainable and equitable health system.
He highlighted major gains recorded under Universal Health Coverage (UHC), led by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has now onboarded 32.3 million Kenyans. To strengthen services at the grassroots, the government has also deployed 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to enhance health education, screening, early detection and referral at the household level.
Joined H.E. President @WilliamsRuto on the opening day of the inaugural Kenya Health Summit 2026, culminating in a Presidential Town Hall, where Kenyans shared their experiences, priorities and concerns on the ongoing health sector reforms and the gaps that must be addressed to… pic.twitter.com/UtyHSbSjDJ
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) August 19, 2026
Under the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP), the government has invested KSh9.8 billion to expand access to specialised care. Key milestones include the deployment of 39 new CT scanners, renovation and equipping of 67 theatres, establishment of 157 laboratories, setting up of specialised urology and ENT theatres, and replacement of the LINAC machine at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Duale noted that KNH’s 32 fully equipped theatres are also boosting the country’s capacity for advanced surgical procedures.
Digital health was flagged as a key driver of transformation. The Ministry has rolled out real-time data systems, digital tracking and tracing, and telemedicine to improve efficiency and accountability in service delivery.
To expand financial protection, the Linda Jamii programme is scaling up affordable health coverage for mothers, children and households.
On human resources, the CS reported that 7,414 health workers have been absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms, while the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is being implemented. In addition, medical interns are being posted and a total of 28,174 health workers have been deployed across counties to strengthen frontline services.
“The Town Hall was a valuable opportunity to listen to Kenyans, take stock of progress made and identify areas requiring further action as we advance toward a sustainable, accessible and people-centred health system,” Duale said.
